Vigil Network Site: Drainage Area Number One Near Lance Creek Village, Wyoming, U.S.A.
Submitted by: William W. Emmett
U.S. Geological Survey, Washington, D.C. 20242
Drainage Area Number One is a small, erosion cut basin in an otherwise smooth slope draining towards Lance Creek 1/2 mile distance away. The magnitude of past erosion makes it desirable to include Drainage Area Number One in the Vigil Network to determine rates of erosional processes. It is located 15.10 miles north of the new (approximately 1950) post office in Lance Creek Village. The road log in table 1 will enable the observer to find the site. It is included on the topographic map published by the U.S. Geological Survey entitled "Newcastle, Wyo.; S. Dak.; Neb.," scale 1:250,000 (part of which appears in this folder, figure 1). It is located in the SE 1/4 of T. 9 S., R. 65 W., with coordinates lat. 43°13'18" N., and long. 104°36'41" W.
The erosionally cut basin of Drainage Area Number One covers about 10 acres, the average elevation is about 4200 feet above sea level, relief in the basin is about 65 feet, and the average annual precipitation is about 15 inches per year. Vegetation consists of various range grasses with a scattering of sagebrush (Artemisia).
At the time of preparation of this file, three field surveys had been made; July 15, 1950, August 14, 1962, and June 5, 1963. The 1950 survey consisted of a planetable map (scale one inch equals 100 feet, see figure 3) showing the general configuration around the brink, or steep face, of the erosion cut and with a few spot elevations. No permanent reference points were established during this survey.
The 1962 survey consisted of a more detailed planetable map (scale one inch equals 100 feet, see figure 2) along with the establishment of the nine permanent reference points shown on figure 2. Each permanent reference point is a four-foot length of 1/2 inch diameter steel rod driven in the ground and protruding about six inches above the ground surface. The elevation of the reference points, or bench marks (BM), are show on figure 2. In addition, BM 1 has a metal tag affixed to it on which is imprinted the pin description and elevation.
The file of original field data includes both original planetable maps, black and white and color ground photography (1962 and 1963), and low altitude aerial photography (1963). Original data is on file with William W. Emmett, U.S. Geological Survey, Washington, D.C. 20242, U.S.A.